Maschine Mikro MK3: How to make a beat as a beginner

The Mikro is available now: bit.ly/blakehea...
Yes, it is true, I am mainly a mouse and software type of music producer but I am going to push myself to practice with hardware! Using hardware and controllers is a fun and tactile way to make beats, I just haven't gotten comfortable with it yet. Watch me make my first beat on the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3. Thank you Native Instruments for sending this my way, you are too generous!
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#maschine #maschinemikro #mikromk3

[@harmoncollege]

Awesome, honest video. I started making beats on an MPC 2000 back in 1996, and when I got married, I sold all my gear (Ensoniq ASR-10, Roland Groovebox, Yamaha sequencer, etc.). Now I'm 45 and I want to get back into it. I'm the opposite of you, as I'm more comfortable with hardware, so the software part of it makes me nervous. I had the first Maschine but didn't make the time to learn it, so I sold it. I might grab the Mikro Mk3 and give it another shot.

[@BlakeHeart]

Awesome! I know what it is like to dip in and other of things due to getting married, having kids, career stuff etc.. I wish I had the same amount of free time I had pre-kids and pre-advancing my career, but this is my life, trying to make the best with the time I have! Have a great time with the Mikro, it's a small investment to see if you like it and if you do, you can hop over to the regular maschine. Personally I think that Native Instruments is offering some really killer stuff - functionality, and all that for a great price...

[@jaderbeatsinc.4126]

I've used Pro Tools, and Reason's for years, and though I love Reason's I have become a lover of Mikro. It may seem difficult at first but the more you use it and learn it the better you will become. It's a stand alone and if you have any previous experience with MPC, or any type of drum machines It's a bonus, or if your just a beginner this is definitely the ideal hardware. Thanks for your video, it's good that you pay attention to the mechanics of the hardware. Keep up the great work. I am starting to do some tutorials on MK 3 as well, let's get this great invention out to the masses. Awesome video!!

[@BlakeHeart]

Hey, thanks! Yeah, I am still working at it...thanks for watching and taking the time to leave comment. I appreciate you!

[@ronmusic4life]

This was the most helpful video I found in 3 years

[@BlakeHeart]

Wow, thank you, appreciate the kind words!

[@hughesy606]

Was really into this the, as soon as you added that car squeal my ears left the chat! Still, awesome to that point, good job.

[@BlakeHeart]

Thanks for watching!

[@JeffyG]

4 years later and your video popped up for me. I found it really interesting to see how you approached the Maschine 2 software versus the Mikro hardware. Clearly you seemed reluctant to navigate with the hardware - and that might be common. It depends on where you coming from. I’m a daw guy, so Logic Pro and Ableton just make sense, whereas Maschine 2 and the devices are designed as groove boxes. DAW versus Groove Box is a big topic. Also, did you start with a goal of making a best, or composing a song? Again, a big difference. Thanks for sharing your personal journey with the Mikro - I think it helps others 😊

[@BlakeHeart]

Wow, old video! Thanks for watching...groove boxes just haven't done it for me. I find myself always using software, especially these days. I bought a Push 3, we will see how that goes when not tethered to a computer. I had gotten the Akai force, but that was a beast - still own it. All these years later and I am still looking for my sweet spot, guess that's why I am still a hobbyist, lol! Have fun, that's the most important thing!

[@JeffyG]

@@BlakeHeart totally agree.

[@harrythompson9315]

I highly suggest obtaining the mk3. The work flow from the controller is amazing. Chopping samples is so nice too

[@Righteous_Reck]

Thank you. ive been looking for a video like this and none of the ones i found answered the questions i wanted

[@BlakeHeart]

You are welcome, glad you liked this video! I appreciate you taking the time to leave comment!!

[@WellKnownToneBeats]

Dope channel...glad i found ya and welcome to the maschine family

[@BlakeHeart]

Thank you!

[@djdel1122]

I think it is great to see you dive into one of your crafts! Making music is an adventure and not one day is the same. Have fun and sometime the song will write itself.

[@BlakeHeart]

Thank you, it is absolutely an adventure and I am having so much fun with it. Learning so much every week, can't believe how far I have come since last year!

[@rjambi]

Hey I was just looking for someone with an MK3 showing me how to break into the software so if nothing else you have helped me get my first beat going. Thanks Blake!

[@HurveyJones]

I tried Akai Studio black and I used my computer more than I did the studio, so I returned it. I bought Mashine mk3 and went to the help file, and 24 hours I was using the hardware more than the software. NI rocks!!

[@BlakeHeart]

Awesome!!!

[@bigherbtraxx]

That's dopee!!! I just bought mine and i'm still learning how to use it lol

[@BlakeHeart]

I have been using it for the past few months more and more and I really enjoy it. I have gotten a lot better at it, lol!

[@Ast3rixMusic]

That’s how I felt when started using the MPC touch. There are things I’m still learning about the software from using the controller. No worries just keep going....

[@BlakeHeart]

Thank you!!

[@MrRestorations]

Thanks for the info! I went from reason 10 to studio one and the transition has been a battle and Mikro Maschine was so misunderstood. Thanks for being more human than a robot!

[@BlakeHeart]

Really its repetition, and just keeping at it. I've been doing that these past few months and have become much more comfortable with the hardware, but there's still a ton to learn! I appreciate your comment, because I too would come onto YT and see all these people crushing it, and I felt defeated, lol! Yes, there are some humans out here that are starting from the bottom to learn how it all works, lol!

[@georgeholsapple4029]

That was dope...thanks for easing me in. Just got mine and tryin to figure it out...that tutorial helped me quite a bit...I appreciate it!!!

[@BlakeHeart]

Congrats on getting a micro, I hope you have having fun with it!!!

[@KnockSquared]

4:30 = Facts !! Its MORE than enough to make a whole song easily

[@BlakeHeart]

There is so much available now a days, it is crazy! But then of course I remember my tiny Yamaha keyboard back in 1988 that had barely anything on it...

[@two4kaye581]

LOVE THIS. Keep doing what your doing love the realness man.

[@BlakeHeart]

Thank you!

[@AirwaveMusic]

Hey! When on the go I recommend ik’s micro monitors. You’ll love them!

[@nick3795]

Looking at this 3 years later, as I have just got my Mikro for Christmas I wonder are you still making beats? I hope so, I am going to click your channel hoping to see recent posts. I will tell you then that after trying to get my head around Reaper as a DAW, being 53 and with no musical education or talent it's a challenge, a creative challenge and I liked your beat. Well done, peace

[@BlakeHeart]

Congrats on the Mikro and I hope you having fun with it! My advice is to just keep going, it can be frustrating for sure and there are always new things to learn but it is rewarding and eventually you will realize that you ARE getting some where with your music making ability!

[@MrRestorations]

Your amazing!! Im glad your very brave, your willing to walk on the water..This is for those that can't see but believe before seeing..WOW..Your a miracle that I wished I was already doing! Thank you so much for the encouragement...You made me laugh cause I say the same thing....This is craaaazy!!

[@BlakeHeart]

Ahhh, thanks for watching and leaving a comment! I have been using the Mikro a lot more and just know, it gets easier and easier, but there are still so many features packed into it I am figuring out!

[@Marie-ft6sd]

Thank you !! 😆 it was Great and you're amazing, real right attitude's lesson bless u 🙏

[@BlakeHeart]

Ahhh, thank you, what a nice compliment! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave me a comment!!

[@nicoleblack5892]

@Blake Heart, there's a KZbinr by the name of DDS825 and he has a Maschine course to learn the hardware. I haven't done it yet, but once I purchase Maschine hardware, I will. Also, there's a program that helps you practice finger drummimg and I believe it's called melodics. Anyway, I'm definitely subscribing!

[@BlakeHeart]

Yes, I definitely respect DDS, great channel for maschine! Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! I need to put more time into practicing with the hardware, like anything else...it's so easy to rely on the software, but I know I am missing out on things so I need to keep pushing myself! Here's to learning new things and making awesome music!!

[@georgeholsapple4029]

That was actually pretty helpful!! Thank you!! I appreciatecha!!!

[@BlakeHeart]

Awesome, thanks for watching!!

[@lamarrthompson8398]

You save me a call to NI, I thought I didn't have to software due to a mix up due to registration, thanks!

[@BlakeHeart]

Glad this was helpful, not go and have fun with your maschine!!!

[@andreavorfreude2201]

Hell, I was just proud to get all up and running on Mac Book Pro....I finally have sound. I am ready to start making sounds & incorporating ProTools, add vox guitar 🔊🎚🎤🖤☠ thanks for the video......I bookmarked the manual 😎

[@BlakeHeart]

Awesome, have fun and thank you for watching!!!!

[@harrythompson9315]

I'm a NI fan boy. It's a great tool to have in your arsenal!

[@mahdidiana3288]

Hi, I’m starting out as a beginner music producer and I’m looking to get the gear I need. I’m planning on getting a maxed out new MacBook Pro with logic and KOMPLETE 12 collectors edition. With mk3 and jam as a bundle. And was just wondering how I would connect all the gear to my laptop. And if there any other software or plugins worth purchasing. Thank you

[@harrythompson9315]

@@mahdidiana3288 you shouldn't need any plugins with the complete 12 if you're just starting up there's plenty of vsts to pick from

[@mahdidiana3288]

Harry Thompson thank you so much

[@harrythompson9315]

@@mahdidiana3288 you end up getting the gear?

[@mahdidiana3288]

Harry Thompson no not yet I’m waiting to move first so I can build a home studio. What gear do you use?

[@Fletch_Rides]

Which would you recommend as a beginner on a budget, the Mikro MK3 or any entry level NI midi keyboard? I am not a keyboardist but play guitar Thank you in advance

[@BlakeHeart]

This question is always so hard because it comes down to personal preference, but of course nobody knows their preference when they are just digging in... Personally I think the Mikro mk3, there's a lot of functionality packed into it and I found myself using the mikro more than my midi keyboard. I don't play piano/keys, so there is just something about the mikro that was friendlier to me...hope this helps!

[@Fletch_Rides]

Blake Heart Thank you very much for that! I am also drawn towards the Mikro MK3 as it seems more intuitive and plus no keys on a keyboard to befuddle me. Although both A25 and Mikro MK3 can do single note chords, the Mikro makes it easier. It’s just that the Mikro is just over my Budget 😭😭

[@thomasmatthews80]

Great video and I like your opinions. It is ridiculous some of the reviews for this when they talk about cons and they just list the difference between the mikro and the full mk3,... That's why this is $250 or less! Great for beginners and enjoyed the video. Thank you

[@BlakeHeart]

Hey, this comment means a lot to me, glad you found the video helpful!!

[@thomasmatthews80]

@@BlakeHeart subbed your excellent channel. My Maschine gets delivered tomorrow 😀

[@morten1]

So do you just use the included sounds or did you upgrade to Komplete Select or full Maschine library? (in this video)

[@BlakeHeart]

No, I have additional sounds I am using here - I had Komplete 11 or 12 at this time too -- so that brings in more sounds. But the full Maschine library is pretty awesome too...you just will find that upgrading sounds gets addictive at some point. Just wait for sales though -- all these companies generally have sales at least once a year, some many more times, and that's the best time to buy, just save your money and make yourself wait for the sale!!

[@morten1]

@@BlakeHeart Thanks for responding. Yeah I try to keep my arsenal of plugins to a bare minimum ;) I think I just missed the NI summer sale, damn.. I get my Maschine next week, will just try and do what I can with the included library. That's also fine for just getting to know it first. Then upgrade on next sale (november ish I think it'll be)

[@margosdesarian]

Why dont you use one of the kits that come with it?

[@BlakeHeart]

I didn't load up the Komplete basic because I already had the extensive Komplete with everything so I didn't want to mess anything up on my computer. I just wasn't sure which kits came with the Komplete basic set-up (and this video was made a while ago, so I might be wrong in what I remember, lol!)

[@leer.watson4673]

“How to make a beat as a beginner” starts at 7:56.

[@BlakeHeart]

Yeah, I was a little long winded in this one, thanks for adding this!

[@JakeAdams27]

As someone who just bought the mikro mk3 and doesn't know what the heck I'm doing this was a really cool video. Very accessible to all. I appreciate you!

[@BlakeHeart]

Have fun with your maschine! I have been really diving in these past few weeks and I am loving using the hardware now, it just took some getting used to, to move away from my mouse!

[@JakeAdams27]

@@BlakeHeart what daw do you use outside of maschine 2.0? I had the sole intention of using the mikro in logic however it works so fluidly with 2.0 I find myself staying in that program. What's your experience been like?

[@BlakeHeart]

@@JakeAdams27 I am all over the place -- I think you just have to figure out what works best for you. I like working in Maschine with the large screen, the VST screen is just too small when it's open as a VST in any DAW. But then when you work right in Maschine you will find that it can become limiting, in that you want to be looking/working within a linear DAW, so you can either export your stems or you can drag and drop either Midi or Audio files which is pretty cool too, and which I do a lot. I really bounce around depending on what type of song I am working on or my mood. I haven't found the "perfect" workflow for myself yet, lol!

[@JakeAdams27]

@@BlakeHeart cool! Well I wish you the best, look forward to seeing what you create

[@kevinjackson6519]

Good video

[@BlakeHeart]

Thanks!

[@DamnCam.]

I just here to leave me opinion from SF! My opinion is this video is def what I needed to help pop up on my Maschine. Thankfully I already had Komplete Ultimate 12. Keep making videos! Also I love you xD

[@BlakeHeart]

Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment, now go and make some music!!!

[@2abeaatz]

hello, great video. where did you get your MacBook cover?

[@BlakeHeart]

Etsy, I’ll try and find the link to the seller, I get lots of compliments on it!

[@2abeaatz]

Blake Heart i would really appreciate that . Thanks

[@BlakeHeart]

The store is called KeyShorts on Etsy -- www.etsy.com/shop/Keyshorts?ref=l2-shopheader-name

[@maxdiemek]

Anyone knows if there is an option for auto length loops when you play? Thanks for the tutorial

[@BlakeHeart]

Is this the kind of functionality you are talking about -- www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/auto-create-new-patterns-of-fixed-lengths.322500/ If so, looks like not yet...

[@maxdiemek]

@@BlakeHeart yes but there is just ways to fix it, in ableton push if u dont set auto length then the bar still to record until u stop to record...

[@rjambi]

I'm in the same boat as you put in your 10000 hours and you'll too be a master.

[@BlakeHeart]

10,000 hours, it's all about putting in the time, for sure!!! Glad I taught you something small, take it and go further, learn more and do great things!

[@issiewizzie]

I commend you ...and love you too :)

[@notlimited214]

Your attempt to make a "hip hop beat" was essentially your first mistake! How about just make some good music first and don't concern yourself with genre identity. There is essentially no such thing as a hip hop beat. This is what happens when makers find out they are not the innovators! Respect the innovators first then you can innovate your own genre.

[@BlakeHeart]

E Junior Agreed, I needed to read this comment to ground me a bit, thank you!

[@leoopokat8235]

RTFM LOL GOOD VID MY DAD BOUGHT ME A TRITON AT 17 AND 2200 DOLLARS COMPARED TO 250 DOLLARS MY DAD WOULD FLIP ME OFF CAUSE IT IS A STEAL

[@BlakeHeart]

Yes, exactly!!! Congrats on being the lucky kid in town with the Triton, that's an amazing dad right there :)